28 February 2006
Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa celebrates Grand Opening
Koh Samui Attractions
The Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa held its Grand Opening Celebrations on 25th and 26th February, 2006, following its soft opening on 1st September, 2005.
Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa, Marriott International’s first Renaissance property in Thailand was rebranded from Buriraya Resort & Spa in July last year.
Koh Samui Attractions
The Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa held its Grand Opening Celebrations on 25th and 26th February, 2006, following its soft opening on 1st September, 2005.
Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa, Marriott International’s first Renaissance property in Thailand was rebranded from Buriraya Resort & Spa in July last year.
Blue Canyon Country Club, Phuket, to close Lakes Course for Upgrading
Blue Canyon Country Club, Phuket, will temporarily close its Lakes Course from 3 April 2006 for renovations and upgrading. The course is scheduled to reopen to the public in November/December 2006.
Blue Canyon Country Club, Phuket, will temporarily close its Lakes Course from 3 April 2006 for renovations and upgrading. The course is scheduled to reopen to the public in November/December 2006.
27 February 2006
Global meet on environmental tourism begins
Oman Travel - Hotels in Oman
Oman International Conference for Environmental Tourism began its sessions here on 26.2.2006. The conference is jointly organised by the Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources and the Ministry of Tourism. Over 400 participants from 22 countries along with regional and international organisations are participating in the conference.
The three-day conference inauguration ceremony at Al Bustan Palace Hotel was presided over by Dr Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Mantheri, president of the State Council.
Over 40 working papers will be ....
Oman Travel - Hotels in Oman
Oman International Conference for Environmental Tourism began its sessions here on 26.2.2006. The conference is jointly organised by the Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources and the Ministry of Tourism. Over 400 participants from 22 countries along with regional and international organisations are participating in the conference.
The three-day conference inauguration ceremony at Al Bustan Palace Hotel was presided over by Dr Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Mantheri, president of the State Council.
Over 40 working papers will be ....
26 February 2006
Luxury silk handmade in Thailand
And with the 60th anniversary of the coronation of King Bhumibol Adulyadej on June 12 and the Thai New Year celebration in mid-April, this spring is a good time to plan a trip.Great silk shopping can be found in central Bangkok, but if you really want to go to the source, you've got to hit the road and head to the village of Pak Thong Chai.Three hours north of Bangkok, Pak Thong Chai lies at the gateway to the northeastern Isaan region of Thailand, better known as the Land of Silk. It is in Isaan's many tambons, or villages, that the traditional crafts of hand-spinning and hand-weaving have been most lovingly preserved.
And with the 60th anniversary of the coronation of King Bhumibol Adulyadej on June 12 and the Thai New Year celebration in mid-April, this spring is a good time to plan a trip.Great silk shopping can be found in central Bangkok, but if you really want to go to the source, you've got to hit the road and head to the village of Pak Thong Chai.Three hours north of Bangkok, Pak Thong Chai lies at the gateway to the northeastern Isaan region of Thailand, better known as the Land of Silk. It is in Isaan's many tambons, or villages, that the traditional crafts of hand-spinning and hand-weaving have been most lovingly preserved.
24 February 2006
Spain Travel - Regions of Spain : Andalucia
Andalusia is the Spanish Autonomous Community with the greatest number of inhabitants and the second in surface. Its varied landscapes, the benignancy of its climate and the friendly character of its population have turned it into one of the most attractive regions.
3000 hours of sun per year, many kilometers of golden sand beaches and those beautiful natural ports made it a safe refuge already for Phoenician navigators, thousands of years before Christ.
The coast of Huelva and Cadiz corresponds to the Atlantic Ocean and is characterized by fine sand. The Mediterranean coast, from the Strait of Gibraltar to Almeria, on the other hand offers smoother climate with less wind and higher water temperatures.
Andalusia is crossed by Guadalquivir river, the "father" of old civilisations who have left along its borders an impressive monumental track, as well as the high mountain ranges of Sierra Morena and Sistemas Beticos.
The offer for visitors is extremely varied, from golden beaches to those beautiful mountain ranges with their highly interesting fauna, and the famous "white villages" with their richdom in folklore and artisany. There are great possibilities for most different sports as well, from skiing in the Sierra Nevada to surfing at the coast of Cadiz, where you will find ideal conditions as nowhere else in Europe.
Andalusia is the "mother" of the Spanish folklore which is probably best known abroad: here you will live the magic of Flamenco and bullfighting in their most authentic style, and myths like Don Juan and Carmen were born here. A land of great traditions, which has understood as well to assimilate the progress.
Andalusia is the Spanish Autonomous Community with the greatest number of inhabitants and the second in surface. Its varied landscapes, the benignancy of its climate and the friendly character of its population have turned it into one of the most attractive regions.
3000 hours of sun per year, many kilometers of golden sand beaches and those beautiful natural ports made it a safe refuge already for Phoenician navigators, thousands of years before Christ.
The coast of Huelva and Cadiz corresponds to the Atlantic Ocean and is characterized by fine sand. The Mediterranean coast, from the Strait of Gibraltar to Almeria, on the other hand offers smoother climate with less wind and higher water temperatures.
Andalusia is crossed by Guadalquivir river, the "father" of old civilisations who have left along its borders an impressive monumental track, as well as the high mountain ranges of Sierra Morena and Sistemas Beticos.
The offer for visitors is extremely varied, from golden beaches to those beautiful mountain ranges with their highly interesting fauna, and the famous "white villages" with their richdom in folklore and artisany. There are great possibilities for most different sports as well, from skiing in the Sierra Nevada to surfing at the coast of Cadiz, where you will find ideal conditions as nowhere else in Europe.
Andalusia is the "mother" of the Spanish folklore which is probably best known abroad: here you will live the magic of Flamenco and bullfighting in their most authentic style, and myths like Don Juan and Carmen were born here. A land of great traditions, which has understood as well to assimilate the progress.
23 February 2006
Hilton Hotel Auckland, New Zealand
Promoted as 'The Boutique Hotel completely surounded by water', the Hilton Auckland is indeed in a unique location, right at the end of Princess Wharf. The front and one side of the building have direct views of Auckland Harbour. Most other rooms too, have a partial view.
Promoted as 'The Boutique Hotel completely surounded by water', the Hilton Auckland is indeed in a unique location, right at the end of Princess Wharf. The front and one side of the building have direct views of Auckland Harbour. Most other rooms too, have a partial view.
21 February 2006
High Style, Low Rates: Spanish Paradores
The country has put $500 million into redoing its paradores, with talented designers eagerly signing on to give gorgeous old buildings their due. .....
Lodging
Parador de Zafra Plaza Corazón de María 7
Parador de Ávila Marqués Canales de Chozas 2
Parador de Caceres Calle Ancha 6
Parador de Trujillo Calle Santa Beatriz de Silva 1
The country has put $500 million into redoing its paradores, with talented designers eagerly signing on to give gorgeous old buildings their due. .....
Lodging
Parador de Zafra Plaza Corazón de María 7
Parador de Ávila Marqués Canales de Chozas 2
Parador de Caceres Calle Ancha 6
Parador de Trujillo Calle Santa Beatriz de Silva 1
20 February 2006
Langkawi Make A Strong Pitch For Tourism
Malaysia : Langkawi Island
Langkawi with its white sandy beaches, pristine sea water and sunshine throughout the year, could be an ideal destination for high-spending foreign tourists.
This potential has not been fully tapped in the past; however, the Langkawi tourism planners are now making a strong pitch to court foreign tourists.
Malaysia : Langkawi Island
Langkawi with its white sandy beaches, pristine sea water and sunshine throughout the year, could be an ideal destination for high-spending foreign tourists.
This potential has not been fully tapped in the past; however, the Langkawi tourism planners are now making a strong pitch to court foreign tourists.
Unsung Trang
Hollowed by caves and hugging the shoreline, Trang remains one of Thailand’s last vestiges of tranquility.
Trang is where the Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s catch phrase “Unseen Thailand” really exists. Just a couple of hours drive away from big tourist destinations like Krabi, Phuket and Hat Yai, Trang has had trouble attracting its share of visitors.
Hollowed by caves and hugging the shoreline, Trang remains one of Thailand’s last vestiges of tranquility.
Trang is where the Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s catch phrase “Unseen Thailand” really exists. Just a couple of hours drive away from big tourist destinations like Krabi, Phuket and Hat Yai, Trang has had trouble attracting its share of visitors.
Kyoto, Japan - A Geisha guide to Kyoto's floating world
Memoirs of a Geisha -- both the Arthur Golden novel and the film version of it -- depicts the Gion of yesteryear, but contemporary Kyoto remains a city lush with sensual experiences for even the most hurried of travelers. Take a walk through these picturesque streets, and you can experience the sights, sounds and sensations of Geisha's "floating world."
Memoirs of a Geisha -- both the Arthur Golden novel and the film version of it -- depicts the Gion of yesteryear, but contemporary Kyoto remains a city lush with sensual experiences for even the most hurried of travelers. Take a walk through these picturesque streets, and you can experience the sights, sounds and sensations of Geisha's "floating world."
19 February 2006
Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef - 48 hours in Cairns
Australia Travel - Sightseeing Tours Cairns
This is a great fun resort that offers far more than just coral and brightly coloured fish, says Frank Partridge.
Australia Travel - Sightseeing Tours Cairns
This is a great fun resort that offers far more than just coral and brightly coloured fish, says Frank Partridge.
18 February 2006
Empire hosts Malaysia Holidays reps
The Empire Hotel and Country Club recently hosted a familiarisation trip for visiting representatives from Malaysia Holidays, an agency based in Australia, which specialises in travel packages to Malaysia and Brunei, stated a press release.
The group was in Brunei for one night to learn more about the Sultanate and promote it together with Sabah and Sarawak in their Borneo Package to the Australian market.
The Empire Hotel and Country Club recently hosted a familiarisation trip for visiting representatives from Malaysia Holidays, an agency based in Australia, which specialises in travel packages to Malaysia and Brunei, stated a press release.
The group was in Brunei for one night to learn more about the Sultanate and promote it together with Sabah and Sarawak in their Borneo Package to the Australian market.
17 February 2006
Home of the ruby red
Port. The word conjures up images of professors swirling glasses of the ruby-coloured wine, discussing philosophy by a log fire.
A wine of depth, concentration and majestic structure, port is produced from grapes grown on the rocky slopes of northern Portugal's Upper Douro and its tributaries, and was discovered during the 17th century when two British traders added brandy to preserve the local wine for an Atlantic voyage.
They soon found that "fortifying" did more than protect the wine, it improved it, giving it the power to mature into something unique, transformed in the cool wine lodges in the tight streets of Vila Nova de Gaia, across the River Douro estuary from Porto.
Port. The word conjures up images of professors swirling glasses of the ruby-coloured wine, discussing philosophy by a log fire.
A wine of depth, concentration and majestic structure, port is produced from grapes grown on the rocky slopes of northern Portugal's Upper Douro and its tributaries, and was discovered during the 17th century when two British traders added brandy to preserve the local wine for an Atlantic voyage.
They soon found that "fortifying" did more than protect the wine, it improved it, giving it the power to mature into something unique, transformed in the cool wine lodges in the tight streets of Vila Nova de Gaia, across the River Douro estuary from Porto.
16 February 2006
13 February 2006
Metropole in world's top 500 hotels
The Sofitel Metropole Hanoi’s reputation as a world-class hotel received a boost recently when readers of two leading US travel magazines voted the hotel into a list of the world’s 500 best hotels.
The Metropole is now featured on this year’s Gold List, which was compiled according to votes cast by readers of Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveller.
The Sofitel Metropole Hanoi’s reputation as a world-class hotel received a boost recently when readers of two leading US travel magazines voted the hotel into a list of the world’s 500 best hotels.
The Metropole is now featured on this year’s Gold List, which was compiled according to votes cast by readers of Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveller.
12 February 2006
Evason Hua Hin Resort introduces Private Mini Pool Bars
Having what you want, when you want it, is one of the key ingredients to an enjoyable, stress-free holiday. In their ongoing quest to provide the best guest services, Evason Hua Hin Resort has introduced Private Mini Pool Bars.
Guests decide what beverages they want in their personal mini bar, choosing four alcoholic drinks and two soft drinks, by simply completing the check-list and the pool attendant will do the rest, making sure that the selected are kept perfectly chilled and within easy reach. Incidentally, the soft drinks are on the house.
Having what you want, when you want it, is one of the key ingredients to an enjoyable, stress-free holiday. In their ongoing quest to provide the best guest services, Evason Hua Hin Resort has introduced Private Mini Pool Bars.
Guests decide what beverages they want in their personal mini bar, choosing four alcoholic drinks and two soft drinks, by simply completing the check-list and the pool attendant will do the rest, making sure that the selected are kept perfectly chilled and within easy reach. Incidentally, the soft drinks are on the house.
Tourism in Taiwan
Taiwan Travel Information, Attraction and Sights
Transport minister has new plans to encourage tourism in Taiwan
Newly sworn in Minister of Transportation and Communication Kuo Yao-chi (郭瑤琪) yesterday offered what she described as "four pursuit" strategies to help drum up Taiwan's tourism industry.
Taiwan Travel Information, Attraction and Sights
Transport minister has new plans to encourage tourism in Taiwan
Newly sworn in Minister of Transportation and Communication Kuo Yao-chi (郭瑤琪) yesterday offered what she described as "four pursuit" strategies to help drum up Taiwan's tourism industry.
11 February 2006
Sheraton Resort and Towers Abu Dhabi
I have spent time at the Sheraton in Abu Dhabi previously, in the restaurants and the tavern pub, but hadn't stayed there before. The hotel is right near the city centre, at the start of the Corniche road, which runs along the esplanade of the city of Abu Dhabi. It is 37 kilometres from the Abu Dhabi Airport.
I have spent time at the Sheraton in Abu Dhabi previously, in the restaurants and the tavern pub, but hadn't stayed there before. The hotel is right near the city centre, at the start of the Corniche road, which runs along the esplanade of the city of Abu Dhabi. It is 37 kilometres from the Abu Dhabi Airport.
10 February 2006
Fresh-air bookings
Seventeen hotels and resorts have stepped forward to test the “smoke-free” concept, in a campaign that will see smoking reduced on their properties, if not outright banned.
The Green Leaf Foundation’s campaign is designed to both protect non-smoking guests and boost Thailand’s hotel standards.
“It’s so wonderful to see everyone here together in the running for the free-smoking hotel campaign,” foundation director Suwit Yodmanee said at a campaign kick-off last week at Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) headquarters.
“A smoke-free society might still be a long way off, but we’ve moved one step closer by having smoke-free hotels.”
Many of the first 17 hotels joining the campaign are in the Dusit chain – including the Dusit Thani, Pattaya’s Dusit Resort and the Dusit Hua Hin. Three others are part of the Siam City group and the rest are privately owned, among them the Panviman Koh Chang Resort and Samui Amanda Resort.
Seventeen hotels and resorts have stepped forward to test the “smoke-free” concept, in a campaign that will see smoking reduced on their properties, if not outright banned.
The Green Leaf Foundation’s campaign is designed to both protect non-smoking guests and boost Thailand’s hotel standards.
“It’s so wonderful to see everyone here together in the running for the free-smoking hotel campaign,” foundation director Suwit Yodmanee said at a campaign kick-off last week at Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) headquarters.
“A smoke-free society might still be a long way off, but we’ve moved one step closer by having smoke-free hotels.”
Many of the first 17 hotels joining the campaign are in the Dusit chain – including the Dusit Thani, Pattaya’s Dusit Resort and the Dusit Hua Hin. Three others are part of the Siam City group and the rest are privately owned, among them the Panviman Koh Chang Resort and Samui Amanda Resort.
09 February 2006
Riverside Recognition
Starting off the New Year on a high note, Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa has received a Silver Award – Best Hotel in Asia at the 2005 Virgin Holidays Travel Awards held in London at the end of last year. Virgin Holidays is one of the UK’s leading tour operators and Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa’s achievement was the highest placing for a Thailand hotel.
Starting off the New Year on a high note, Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa has received a Silver Award – Best Hotel in Asia at the 2005 Virgin Holidays Travel Awards held in London at the end of last year. Virgin Holidays is one of the UK’s leading tour operators and Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa’s achievement was the highest placing for a Thailand hotel.
08 February 2006
Bargain price for journey to paradise
Patong is the most popular destination on the Thai holiday island of Phuket. It's big and brash, loud and lairy with a long stretch of golden sand that has largely recovered from the ravages of the Boxing Day tsunami.
You'll find girlie bars in their hundreds, transvestite cabarets, shops selling knock-off CDs and designer wear, touts encouraging you to enter drinking establishments of dubious repute, fish and chip shops and tuk-tuk drivers all too willing to rip you off as you try to get back into town after a night at the Muay Thai boxing.
It's boisterous and a lot of fun - for a day or two. Then the maelstrom becomes a little tiring, and tiresome.
Fortunately, Patong and its gaudy smaller brothers, Karon and Kata, are not the only game in town when it comes to beach holidays in Phuket.
Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to Kamala, a small former fishing village just a few kilometres north of Patong but with a very different vibe.....
Patong is the most popular destination on the Thai holiday island of Phuket. It's big and brash, loud and lairy with a long stretch of golden sand that has largely recovered from the ravages of the Boxing Day tsunami.
You'll find girlie bars in their hundreds, transvestite cabarets, shops selling knock-off CDs and designer wear, touts encouraging you to enter drinking establishments of dubious repute, fish and chip shops and tuk-tuk drivers all too willing to rip you off as you try to get back into town after a night at the Muay Thai boxing.
It's boisterous and a lot of fun - for a day or two. Then the maelstrom becomes a little tiring, and tiresome.
Fortunately, Patong and its gaudy smaller brothers, Karon and Kata, are not the only game in town when it comes to beach holidays in Phuket.
Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to Kamala, a small former fishing village just a few kilometres north of Patong but with a very different vibe.....
07 February 2006
2006 Meeting Packages at JW Marriott Bangkok
The JW Marriott Bangkok has launched its 2006 meeting packages.
Full Day Meeting Package:
US$32++ per person/day (Minimum 10 persons)
Complimentary use of one meeting room from 8.00am – 5.00pm
Morning and afternoon coffee breaks with snacks
Business Luncheon with organized menu offering a choice of a Buffet, Set Menu at a private function room or a suitable space in the hotel
Complimentary use of standard audio visual, i.e. 1 set of overhead, slide projector with screen, TV and video
Complimentary use of whiteboard and flipchart with markers
Drinking water, writing pads, pencils and mints for all participants
Backdrop wording
Half Day Meeting Package:
US$29++ per person/half day (Minimum 10 persons)
Complimentary use of one meeting room from 8.00am to12 noon or 12 noon to 5.00pm
Rest of inclusions same as for Full Day Meeting Package
Rates are valid to 31 December 2006 and subject to combined service charge and Government taxes.
The JW Marriott Bangkok has launched its 2006 meeting packages.
Full Day Meeting Package:
US$32++ per person/day (Minimum 10 persons)
Complimentary use of one meeting room from 8.00am – 5.00pm
Morning and afternoon coffee breaks with snacks
Business Luncheon with organized menu offering a choice of a Buffet, Set Menu at a private function room or a suitable space in the hotel
Complimentary use of standard audio visual, i.e. 1 set of overhead, slide projector with screen, TV and video
Complimentary use of whiteboard and flipchart with markers
Drinking water, writing pads, pencils and mints for all participants
Backdrop wording
Half Day Meeting Package:
US$29++ per person/half day (Minimum 10 persons)
Complimentary use of one meeting room from 8.00am to12 noon or 12 noon to 5.00pm
Rest of inclusions same as for Full Day Meeting Package
Rates are valid to 31 December 2006 and subject to combined service charge and Government taxes.
06 February 2006
HOSPITALITY: The genius of The Oriental
Premier hotel owes so much to Kurt Wachtveitl. Passion is the first thing that Kurt Wachtveitl mentioned when asked how he had managed to remain the general manager of The Oriental Bangkok Hotel for 38 years without the slightest idea of quitting.
Every day, aside from the new faces of guests, new problems and new competitors, what pops up in his mind is the things-to-do list to maintain the hotel’s attraction for affluent guests from all parts of the world who keep coming back to cherish the Oriental’s unique charm and superb service.
Premier hotel owes so much to Kurt Wachtveitl. Passion is the first thing that Kurt Wachtveitl mentioned when asked how he had managed to remain the general manager of The Oriental Bangkok Hotel for 38 years without the slightest idea of quitting.
Every day, aside from the new faces of guests, new problems and new competitors, what pops up in his mind is the things-to-do list to maintain the hotel’s attraction for affluent guests from all parts of the world who keep coming back to cherish the Oriental’s unique charm and superb service.
02 February 2006
Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort completes lobby and Port Cochere refurbishment:
Malaysia Travel - Sightseeing Tours in Langkawi
Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort has recently completed a full refurbishment of the lobby, lobby lounge and Porte Cochere, offering guests a new sense of arrival. The lobby upgrade follows the full refurbishment of their 231 rooms and suites, and is the first Sheraton hotel in Malaysia to feature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed.
Malaysia Travel - Sightseeing Tours in Langkawi
Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort has recently completed a full refurbishment of the lobby, lobby lounge and Porte Cochere, offering guests a new sense of arrival. The lobby upgrade follows the full refurbishment of their 231 rooms and suites, and is the first Sheraton hotel in Malaysia to feature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed.
01 February 2006
Rousing start to the Dog year
CHINESE New Year celebrations are never complete without traditional lion dance performances, as lion dances are believed to usher in luck and prosperity in the days ahead.
Traditionally, lion dances are performed on the last day of the festival in shops but in hotels they are usually performed on the first day to usher in the lunar new year.
Quality Hotel City Centre Kuala Lumpur and Micasa All Suite Hotel in Jalan Tun Razak welcomed the New Year by inviting the award-winning Kok Ngai Troupe to spice up the Year of the Dog with a rapturous performance that left the hotel guests, mostly foreigners, spellbound.
CHINESE New Year celebrations are never complete without traditional lion dance performances, as lion dances are believed to usher in luck and prosperity in the days ahead.
Traditionally, lion dances are performed on the last day of the festival in shops but in hotels they are usually performed on the first day to usher in the lunar new year.
Quality Hotel City Centre Kuala Lumpur and Micasa All Suite Hotel in Jalan Tun Razak welcomed the New Year by inviting the award-winning Kok Ngai Troupe to spice up the Year of the Dog with a rapturous performance that left the hotel guests, mostly foreigners, spellbound.
